SUMMARY:
To the extent allowed by federal law, this act directs the Department of Social Services (DSS) commissioner to disregard a veteran's or surviving spouse's federal Aid and Attendance Pension (AAP) benefits (see BACKGROUND) when calculating income for certain means-tested assistance programs.

The commissioner may apply to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a state plan amendment or waiver from federal law if necessary.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
July 1, 2012

STATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Under the act, the DSS income disregards apply to the following programs:

1.
State-Administered General Assistance,

2.
Medicare Savings Program,

3.
ConnPACE,

4.
Medicaid,

5.
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders,

6.
Personal Care Assistance Waiver,

7.
State Supplement, and

8.
Fuel and Weatherization.

BACKGROUND

AAP Program for Veterans

The AAP program assists single and married veterans and surviving spouses who need regular assistance with such things as dressing, bathing, cooking, taking off prosthetics, and leaving home.
It provides monthly cash benefits of up to $1,704 for single veterans, $2,020 for couples, and $1,094 for surviving spouses.

State law defines a veteran as any person honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active service in the armed forces (the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy).